During this month of March in the year 1851, the following advertisement
occupied the entire page of the inside front wrapper of "The American Whig
Review" (New York):
- - - - - - - - - -
M. A. & S. R O O T ' S
D A G U E R R E O T Y P E
PORTRAITS AND FAMILY GROUPS.
____________
EIGHT FIRST PREMIUMS--SILVER MEDALS--
Awarded at the Great Fairs in Boston, New-York, and Philadelphia,
CAN BE SEEN AT
M. A. & S. ROOT'S GALLERIES
363 Broadway, cor. Franklin st., N.Y., & 140 Chestnut st., Phila.
____________
ADMISSION FREE TO ALL.
____________
THE MESSRS. ROOT having yielded to the many urgent solicitations of their
numerous friends to establish a branch of their
CELEBRATED DAGUERREOTYPE GALLERY
in this city, have been engaged for some time past in fitting up an
E L E G A N T S U I T E O F R O O M S
AT
363 BROADWAY, COR. FRANKLIN ST.,
where they shall be most happy to see all their numerous friends, as also
strangers and citizens generally. The acknowledged high character this
celebrated establishment has acquired for its pictures, and the progressive
improvements made in the art, we trust, will be fully sustained, as each
department at this branch is conducted by some of the same experienced and
skilful artists that have been connected with it from the commencement.
The pictures taken at this establishment are pronounced by artists and
scientific men unrivalled for depth of tone and softness of light and
shade, while they display all the artistic arrangement of the highest
effort of the Painter.
Citizens and strangers visiting the Gallery can have their miniatures or
portraits taken in this unique style, and neatly set in Morocco Cases, Gold
Lockets or Breastpins, Rings, &c., in a few minutes.
Heretofore an almost insurmountable obstacle has presented itself to the
production of family likenesses, in regard to children. The Messrs. Root
are happy to state that through an entirely new discovery of theirs, this
difficulty has been overcome, as the time of sitting will not exceed two or
three seconds in fair, or ten to fifteen seconds in cloudy weather.
N. B.--LADIES are recommended to dress in figured or dark materials,
avoiding whites or light blues. A shawl or scarf gives a pleasing effect
to the picture.
FOR GENTLEMEN.--A black or figured vest; also figured scarf or cravat, so
that the bosom be not too much exposed.
FOR CHILDREN.--Plaid, striped or figured dresses, lace work. Ringlets
add much to the beauty of the picture.
The best hour for Children is from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. All others from 8
A.M. to 6 P.M.
Jan.12t
(The exterior of Root's New York gallery can be seen on page 43 of George
Gilbert's "Photography: The Early Years" [New York: Harper & Row,
1980]--G.E.)
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Posted for your enjoyment. Gary. W. Ewer
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03-08-97